Waltz Plays Politics & Doubles Down as Iran Raises a Chemical Threat

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Waltz Plays Politics & Doubles Down as Iran Raises a Chemical Threat
Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson
Network: Premiere Networks

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Episode Overview

This episode focuses on two headline topics:

1. The fallout from a viral video exposing alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota linked to the Somali community, along with Governor Tim Waltz's controversial response and the federal investigation now underway.
2. Key diplomatic meetings at Mar-a-Lago, where President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing issues ranging from Middle East security and Iran’s chemical threats to peace initiatives in Ukraine.

Ben Ferguson provides critical commentary on developments, federal interventions, and the broader political implications.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal and Governor Waltz’s Response

• Alleged Fraud Exposed:
  Viral video circulates showing empty daycare centers in Minnesota allegedly receiving funds, raising suspicions of large-scale fraud tied to the Somali community.

• Governor Tim Waltz’s Reaction:
  Instead of addressing the fraud directly, Governor Waltz is accused of deflecting criticism and doubling down on welcoming more Somali immigrants to Minnesota.

  • Memorable Quote:
    “You just heard the governor of Minnesota say instead of cutting programs filled with billions of dollars of fraud, we're going to enhance those programs. He said instead of getting rid of people, we're going to be more welcoming.”
    — Ben Ferguson (05:09)

  • Waltz criticized for prioritizing the Somali voting bloc, which Ferguson claims is essential for Democratic reelection efforts in the state.

    • “Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community. ... The Somali community votes basically 100% of the time together.”
      — Ben Ferguson (05:55)

• Federal Response Escalates:

  • Homeland Security:
    Secretary Noem confirms federal agents are active in Minneapolis, focusing on childcare centers and other alleged fraud schemes. (07:30)
  • FBI:
    Director Kash Patel orders more agents to Minnesota to investigate potentially billions in federal aid fraud.
    • “Director Patel characterized the known fraud cases as possibly the tip of a very large iceberg.”
      — Ben Ferguson (08:24)
  • ICE:
    Conducting door-to-door operations, with implications for immigration status checks and enforcement at suspected fraud sites.

• Political & Media Fallout:

  • Conservative leaders Ted Cruz and Vice President Vance publicly support the whistleblowers and the viral video.
  • The Trump administration frames the situation as one of major government failure at the state level.
  • Whistleblowers reportedly retaliated against; law and order narrative driven by both state and federal GOP leaders.

• Ferguson’s Conclusion on the Scandal:
  “It looks like law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud.”
  — Ben Ferguson (09:48)

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2. Major Diplomatic Meetings at Mar-a-Lago

A. Trump & Netanyahu: Middle East Security and Iran

• Key Subjects:

  • U.S.-Israeli alliance projected as “stronger than ever” (10:55).
  • Trump and Netanyahu emphasize unity, directly countering media narratives about tension.
  • Major topic: Iran reportedly developing chemical and biological warheads.

• Notable Trump Quote on Iran:
  “I'm not going to talk about overthrow of a regime. They've got a lot of problems there in [Iran]... There's tremendous discontent. They form 100,000, 200,000 people. All of a sudden people start getting shot. ... They're vicious, vicious people.”
  — Donald Trump (11:46)

• Policy Clarity on Preventing Iranian WMDs:

  • “If they [Iran] start producing biological and chemical warheads, the same fate of those Iranian nuclear sites will happen again.”
  • On supporting an Israeli strike on Iran:
    “If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. Okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.”
    — Donald Trump (12:38)

B. Trump, Zelensky, and Putin: Progress Toward Ukraine Peace

• Diplomatic Activity:

  • Trump meets with Zelensky; discussion focuses on advancing a peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (13:00)
  • Post-meeting, Trump holds a “positive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep negotiations moving.
  • U.S. offers Ukraine a concrete 15-year security guarantee as part of the peace framework.
    • Zelensky views it as a vital, though “not long enough,” commitment.

• Broad Takeaway
  “Discussions are pointing towards progress on peace initiatives, something the President desperately wants, as well as ongoing dialogue with Russia. After the Ukraine meeting, keeping the diplomatic channels open. All a positive sign for what President Trump said. We need the wars to end.”
  — Ben Ferguson (14:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Ferguson on Minnesota Fraud:
  “Governor Waltz is basically saying I'm willing to sell out Minnesota's taxpayers and federal taxpayers to save the Somali community, putting them ahead of American citizens that are being defrauded.” (06:24)

• Donald Trump on Iran's Internal Issues:
  “I've watched it for years. They're vicious, vicious people.” (12:00)

• Donald Trump on Supporting Israeli Action:
  “If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. Okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.” (12:38)

• Ben Ferguson’s Wrap-Up:
  “It was an important day for the president in West Palm Beach. It was an important day for Trump to host two major world leaders back to back and underscores the active U.S. role in high level diplomacy.” (14:19)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:10] — Fallout from Minnesota fraud video; Waltz’s response & federal escalation
• [05:09] — Governor Waltz’s controversial public comments
• [07:30] — DHS & FBI ramp up fraud investigations in Minnesota
• [10:28] — Transition to U.S. foreign policy: Trump-Netanyahu-Zelensky meetings
• [11:46] — Trump’s remarks on Iran and regime instability
• [12:34-12:52] — Trump clarifies U.S. (and Israeli) red lines on Iran
• [13:00] — Trump-Zelensky meeting, U.S. security guarantees, Biden-Putin call
• [14:32] — Ferguson sums up U.S. diplomatic gains and peace process efforts

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Tone & Style Notes

Ben Ferguson delivers the episode with a hard-hitting, combative tone—especially critical of Democratic leadership and vocal in support of aggressive federal intervention on fraud and national security.
Donald Trump’s statements are direct, colorful, and blunt in both his assessments of foreign regimes and his policy positions.

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For listeners seeking the latest on domestic political scandals and U.S. global diplomacy under the Trump administration, this episode provides unfiltered analysis and exclusive political commentary on breaking national and international developments.

Transcript

[Donald Trump]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Ben Ferguson]

Guaranteed Human.

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[Molly (Guest or Commentator)]

Molly, I don't follow Minnesota politics like I should, but I'm pretty sure they have a Democrat governor. I'm pretty sure they have a Democrat attorney general. I'm pretty sure the House and the Senate are run by Democrats. In Minnesota. I mean, look, they would, they would blame baldness on Donald Trump if they could get away with it. And within their base, they can get away with it. Unfortunately, that, that Minnesota lawmaker, you just played a clip. She'd have a hard time passing her driver's test in South Carolina.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

Good Saturday morning to you. Ben Ferguson with you. And these are some of the stories that you may have missed that we talked about this week on the 47 Morning Update. First up, Governor Tim Waltz breaks his silence in the fraud scheme in Minnesota. What he said is going to shock you. He's not holding those accountable who are committing the fraud. Instead, he says he wants to bring in more Somalis into his state. Will have those comments from him and the fallout from the federal government in just a moment. Also, President Trump in Mar Lago having two major meetings, one with Netanyahu as reports surface that Iran is working on chemical and biological warheads. And then also meeting with Zelensky and talking with Vladimir Putin. So what happened out of the meetings? We have it all for you. But first, I want to tell you about an amazing opportunity right now that I'm involved in, and I cannot wait for you to take advantage of it. I want you to take some incredible courses at Hillsdale College for free. You may not know this, but Hillsdale College has been influencing conservatives like myself for decades. They had a huge impact on Charlie Kirk's life. And even as memorial service, they talked about how Charlie took class after class after class at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale College is now offering for you, the listeners of this show, more than 40 free. I want to say that again, free online courses. That's right. More than 40 free online courses. You can learn about the works of C.S. lewis, the stories in the Book of Genesis, the meaning of the US Constitution, the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, or the history of the ancient Christian Church, all with Hillsdale College's free online courses. Right now I'm personally taking the Constitution 101. In this course you're going to explore the design and the purpose of the Constitution, the challenges it faced during the Civil War and how it has been undermined for more than a century by radical progressives and liberals. This 12 lecture course is self paced. It's another reason why I love it. So start whenever and wherever in our country. We need more Americans like you and I that understand the Constitution and can defend the freedom of of the American people against the left and their increasing encroachments on our God given rights. So start your classes today for free. Start your free Constitution 101 course right now. How do you do it? Go to Hillsdale Edu Morning Update to enroll and it's no cost. It's easy to get started. You got to use a special website, Hillsdale EDU MorningUpdate enroll for free Hillsdale EDU MorningUpdate. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one fallout after the viral.

Video showing widespread fraud in Minnesota doesn't seem to be stopping the Governor Tim Waltz from doing what he does best standing with a Somali community. Not only is he refusing to answer questions from the media, he's now saying he wants to bring more Somalians into Minnesota to back up the fraud and abuse. Apparently that's already happened. This coming out of Seattle as Tim Waltz ignores the questions about apologizing to Minnesota over the Somali fraud and then listen to what he had to say at a luncheon about it as well.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

Governor Walls, what what can you say about the latest on the Somali fraud that happened under your watch, sir? Governor, have you been able to apologize yet to the people of Minnesota for allowing this Somali fraud to continue under your watch? Is it time to apologize? How about the whistleblowers that you have allegedly retaliated against? Would you like to respond to the whistleblowers?

[Ben Ferguson]

And right now our neighbors are being demonized. Our neighbors are being terrorized. Our neighbors are being picked up off the street. 3 the antidote to that is is positive actions to improve lives that go against what they're trying to do. So instead of demonizing our small we're going to do more welcome more in and welcome people instead of program. We're going to. That's right. You just heard the governor of Minnesota say instead of cutting programs filled with billions of dollars of fraud, we're going to enhance those programs. He said instead of getting rid of people, we're going to be more welcoming. Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we're going to be bringing more of them in, welcoming more of them in. Why would a governor after billions of dollars of fraud is exposed would say something this out of touch with reality? Well, it's very simple. Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community. There is a large voting bloc and the Somali community votes basically 100% of the time together. It's not like normal America where 50% are conservative and 50% are liberal or 45% are conservative and 45% are liberal. And then there's the undecideds in the middle. The Somali community. You get all of them are virtually none of their vote. And Governor Waltz is basically saying I'm willing to sell out Minnesota's taxpayers and federal taxpayers to save the Somali community, putting them ahead of American citizens that are being defrauded. Which brings us to the Trump administration's response to this insanity. The Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Noem has now confirmed that federal Homeland Security agents are actively conducting a major fraud investigation in Minneapolis focusing on the child care centers and other alleged rampant fraud schemes. Agents have been observed going door to door at suspected sites as part of the probe in the last 24 hours. The administration is portraying the operation as part of a broader effort to protect federal funds and ensure accountability, framing these activities as legitimate law enforcement actions that are expanding and that moves us to the FBI. FBI Director Cash Patel has announced that the bureau is has also surged additional agents and new investigative resources to Minnesota at large to investigate what officials are describing as a large scale fraud schemes involving federal aid programs amounting into the hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars. Director Patel characterized the known fraud cases as possibly the tip of a very large iceberg, referring to previous investigations like Feeding our future and new leads sparked by the recent media attention as well as whistleblowers coming forward. That also brings us to the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as ice. They often work under the Department of Homeland Security and it has been reported that they are targeting suspected fraud sites in Minnesota to identify and address possible immigration related violations, including checks on legal status and enforcement where applicable. Some news reports are also indicating that there have been door to door operations connected with the fraud investigation that also involved immigration enforcement elements. Specific Numbers and targets are in flux, but we will keep you updated on when we get the hard numbers. Now, all of this has triggered a federal response because of the viral social media video showing alleged empty daycare centers and nonetheless receiving no significant public information from the Governor, the Attorney General of Minnesota or even from the mainstream media. Conservative leaders including Ted Cruz, Vice President Vance have publicly praised the video's impact in drawing federal attention to the matter as well. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security response also blends long standing fraud investigations with new actions tied to the recent spotlight on the Minnesota programs. Which brings us back to the Minnesota Governor, Tim Waltz. He is being criticized by federal figures and GOP lawmakers. The Trump administration framing the situation as evidence of lax oversight of federal funds. And officials in Minnesota are even angry as well, bringing up broader claims emphasizing existing efforts to fight fraud. And the whistleblowers were punished by the governor. So that brings us to where we are now. What we know is it looks like law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud. Even when he says that we're demonizing those that are taking billions of dollars away from American citizens. So Governor Waltz can hang out on stage and say this is his plan, but it's clear that law and order and law enforcement is going to take place and it could even involve the governor himself.

Now story number two.

There were major meetings in Palm beach at Mar Lago between President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Zelensky talking about the wars that have been taking place in different parts of the world. We'll start first with a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu. And there were positive developments. Trump hosting the Prime Minister at Mar A Lago for bilateral talks on regional peace as well as security. There was a public display of a strong alliance, especially after liberal media outlets were claiming that there was major tension between the two leaders. Both Trump and Netanyahu projected unity and and cultivated a positive atmosphere around them, exchanging compliments and emphasizing that U.S. israeli cooperation relations have never been stronger. Yet again showing that the fake media was lying. The peace plan discussions were also a very important part of that conversation. They discussed a U. S brokered Middle east peace plan including Gaza and broader regional issues, which brought us to some of the new information coming out of Iran. And as Iran, we're now being told, is working on chemical and biological warheads. Donald Trump was asked about that as Netanyahu was standing next to him. And here's what the President had to say. About Iran, their nuclear arsenal and regime change.

[Donald Trump]

I'm not going to talk about overthrow of a regime. They've got a lot of problems that are in. They have tremendous inflation. Their economy is bust. The economy is no good. And I know that people aren't so happy. But don't forget, every time they have a riot or somebody forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people. You know, they kill people. And the people tend to, I've watched this for years. There's tremendous discontent. They form 100,000, 200,000 people. All of a sudden people start getting shot. And that group disbanded pretty quickly. So I've watched it for years. They're vicious, vicious people. Ye the President, will you support an attack, Israeli attack on Iran if Iran.

[Ben Ferguson]

Will not have a deal? If Iran will continue with their ballistic.

[Donald Trump]

Missiles and also nuclear weapons? If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. Okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.

[Ben Ferguson]

President Trump making it clear with Netanyahu by his side that the two agree on this. There's no way that Iran can get a nuclear weapon. If they start producing biological and chemical warheads, the same fate of those Iranian nuclear sites will happen again. Which brings us to Donald Trump meeting with Zelensky. Donald Trump's engagement with Zelensky was about moving forward diplomacy. It also included a phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin after their meeting ended. Progress towards a peaceful framework was the bottom line for President Trump. They reviewed an evolving peace plan proposal aimed at ending the Russia Ukraine war. Both indicated movement towards common principles and continued negotiations. There was also security guarantees that were discussed. Ukraine was offered a 15 year US security guarantee as a concrete part of the peace framework, something Zelensky described as an important step forward, even if he prefers longer commitments. And then there was a follow up diplomacy with Russia. After that meeting with Zelensky, Trump held what was described by the White House as a positive call with Putin to keep negotiations moving forward now. While a full peace agreement isn't done yet, today's actions reflect continued commitment to diplomacy. The White House said mutual talks between Kyiv and Washington and real movement on security assurances and negotiation channels is a constructive diplomatic direction. Overall, it was an important day for the president in West Palm Beach. It was an important day for Trump to host two major world leaders back to back and underscores the active U.S. role in high level diplomacy. Discussions are pointing towards progress on peace initiatives, something the President desperately wants, as well as ongoing dialogue with Russia. After the Ukraine meeting, keeping the diplomatic channels open. All a positive sign for what President Trump said. We need the wars to end.

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now and for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

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[Donald Trump]

This.

[Ben Ferguson]

Is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.